USCIS warns of scams targeting humanitarian parolees

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services warns potential humanitarian parolees and their sponsors to be aware of scams and predatory behavior targeting individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Ukraine and Venezuela.

Key Points:

• Scams are targeting applicants to the USCIS programs Uniting for Ukraine and Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans, which offer pathways for nationals of these countries to stay in the United States for a two-year parole period.
• Some common scams and misleading offers include:
  • Government impersonators who contact individuals through nongovernmental means, such as via social media. USCIS will only contact applicants through official government channels, and their online information can be found through uscis.gov and dhs.gov websites.
  • Scammers offering to be a supporter or connection to a supporter in exchange for a fee or biographic information, such as a passport number or date of birth. Beneficiaries have no obligation to repay, reimburse, work for, serve, marry or otherwise compensate a potential supporter. More information about possible exploitation and abuse is available here.
  • Payments by phone or email. USCIS will never ask for money to be transferred to an individual, nor do they accept Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal or gift cards as payment for immigration fees.
  • Notarios públicos and other unauthorized practitioners of immigration law. Only an attorney or accredited representative working for a Department of Justice-recognized organization can offer legal advice. More information for finding legal services is available here.

Additional Information: More information about scams targeting potential humanitarian parolees is available on the USCIS Avoid Scams webpage.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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